Adolescent Drug Use: Part 2

MEET LAURA 
Laura Hope Laws was an active member of her Atlanta church’s youth group. She was known for helping people in a time of need, but she couldn’t help herself—she had a heroin use disorder.
At 13, Laura experimented with alcohol and marijuana; at age 14 she started misusing prescription pain medications prescribed for a broken jaw, which led to an opioid use disorder. When her doctor quit prescribing them, she took other people’s pills and eventually turned to a cheaper and more available drug: heroin.
She reached out to her family and they helped with treatment programs. Laura eventually spent 30 days in a residential treatment program, but the drugs were stronger than she was, and she relapsed and started taking heroin again.
In the end, Laura overdosed on a mixture of the opioid morphine, alcohol, and cocaine when she was just 17.

This is an example of drug use progression. At the same age as some of our children, Laura started experimenting with drugs and alcohol.  In 4 years, she had progressed to stronger drugs.  Even more startling is that 9 out of 10 people with substance abuse problems started using as adolescents.

How do we keep our young people from being a statistic?

1. Learn why adolescents turn to drugs.Young people may try drugs or alcohol to relieve boredom or stress. Some are just curious, while others want to feel grown-up or to lessen peer pressure. They may be more likely to try drugs because of circumstances or events called risk factors. Examples of risk factors include: 
• Poor grades in school
• Engaging in alcohol or drug use at a young age
• Friends and peers who engage in alcohol or drug use
• Persistent, progressive, and generalized substance use, misuse, and use disorders by family members
• Conflict between parents or between parents and children, including abuse or neglect
• Bullying
2. Build a strong bond with them.
   An important goal is to create a loving and positive environment that outweighs the risk factors. Our most effective strategy is building a strong bond with our children and letting them know that someone who cares is available at any time of the day or night. Examples of other ways to create a positive environment: 
• Encouraging high self-esteem in your child
• Enrolling your child in a school with policies against using alcohol and drugs 
• Allowing your child to have another adult role model who doesn’t use tobacco or drugs, or misuse alcohol
• Encouraging participation in athletic, community, or faith-based groups 
• Getting to know your child's friends
3. Ask for help.
   If you detect any warning signs, get help.  The SAMHSA’s National Helpline is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year.   
   Contact Info: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
   The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers this confidential, free,  information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. Also, visit the online treatment locators.

If you want more in-depth information on adolescent drug use, check out Growing Up Drug Free - a Parent's Guide to Prevention, a publication by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Education.